How to Easily Fix Microsoft SQL Server Error 18456? Solved

Summary: Generally, while authenticating SQL Server, an error is displayed on the screen coded 18456. Thus, restricting users from entering the SQL Server to perform any task and access the database. This can be frustratingit reduces the organization’s productivity tool All the more reasons to resolve this error quickly. Thus, we introduce you to the optimum solutions and a DatabaseFileRecovery SQL Database Recovery Tool to fix the error. Besides that, also find the reasons for Microsoft SQL Server Error 18456. Download Now Purchase Now

An Overview of SQL Error 18456 & its Causes

The error code 18456 in your SQL Server mainly arises when the login process is disrupted and fails. Sometimes, this error doesn’t elaborate on the exact reason for its occurrence. It occurs when users try to connect to the live server but fail due to invalid credentials or other reasons. There are majorly four states of this error:

  • SQL Error 18456, Severity 14, State 1, i.e., login disabled or user locked out of the SQL Server.
  • User Error 18456, Severity 14, State 5, which means that the user provided incorrect credentials to log in.
  • SQL Error 18456, Severity 14, State 6, refers to a condition where the authentication server is mismatched. (Login failed belongs to this state.)
  • Finally, Error 18456, Severity 14, State 38, in which the user is unable to find the SQL database.

Some other common causes for Microsoft SQL Server Error 18456 Login failed for User’sa’ are:

  • Users are not recognized in the Windows authentication or do not have essential permissions to log in.
  • Login details do not match with the data in the SQL Server directory.
  • Expired passwords or disabled SQL Server accounts interrupt the login.

With these reasons, a clearer picture is defined of what error 18456 is and how it occurs and affects.

Troubleshooting Ways for SQL Server Error Code 18456

Like SQL Server Error 8923, when users encounter error 18456 or any other in the SQL Server. It is a reason to worry and thus needs appropriate solutions to prevent losses. Here, explore a free manual solution and an alternate expert tool to handle the error and fix it. The manual method, however, requires some prerequisites for effective results. Let’s begin now.

Resolve Microsoft SQL Server Error 18456 Manually

Before proceeding to perform the steps of this method, ensure:

  • An active SQL Server license and installed SSMS (SQL Server Management Studio).

Now, follow these steps whenever you face error 18456 in SQL Server:

  1.  Open SSMS and connect the instance with your SQL Server credentials.
  2. Now, browse to Database, right-click it, and select Properties.
  3. Further, in Server Properties, move to the Security option.
  4. There, press SQL Server and Windows Authentication mode in the authentication server.
  5. Afterward, press OK to save the changes and exit the window.
  6. Now, open SQL Server Configuration Manager on the PC.
  7. In the end, restart MS SQL Server on the PC to fix the Microsoft SQL Server Error 18456.

By doing so, easily log in with SA User after providing the necessary permissions and access.

Drawbacks of the Manual Method

  • There is no guarantee of receiving 100% accurate results and chances of encountering other problems.
  • The process is slow and complex and needs multiple steps to reset the authentication mode.
  • Chances of misconfigured authentication settings and only suitable for minor fixes.
  • Users must have good technical knowledge about databases and SSMS to perform the steps.

Dedicated Tool to Fix Microsoft SQL Server Error 18456

If the manual way to troubleshoot the encountered error code 18456 in SQL Server doesn’t work for you. Then, use the excellent DatabaseFileRecovery SQL Database Recovery Software to sort all the issues. It is the best solution for novice users who wish to resolve their SQL Server issues with ease. This tool supports all SQL database files and recovers them with advanced modes. It is a permanent fix for all your login issues and provides advanced features for seamless data recovery. Moreover, the tool is highly compatible with all Windows and SQL versions.

Steps to Troubleshoot Error 18456

  1. Run the SQL Database File Recovery Tool and press Open from the bar.
  2. Browse and click Open to add the SQL Database file into the tool.
  3. Further, select a recovery mode and apply other features. Click OK.
  4. Then, preview and select the files or folders to recover and save.
  5. Afterward, click Save SQL File and choose the option to Save in Database.
  6. Select the desired authentication and test the database connection.
  7. At last, click OK to complete saving the data and resolve the error 18456.

Also Read: To Fix SQL Server Error 5: Access Denied

Conclusion

Fixing Microsoft SQL Server Error 18456 is a challenging task but can be resolved easily using the right techniques. We began by learning about the error and the reasons for it to occur. There are two possible ways in which you can fix the error 18456 adequately faced by the users. The manual methods can be difficult and result in more problems. So, use a professional tool to ensure SQL Server remains in the best state.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What Causes SQL Server Error 18456?

Ans. The major reasons for users to encounter the error 18456 are:
1. Wrong or invalid authentication credentials
2. Unrecognized users in Windows Authentication mode
3. Incorrect authentication details of SQL Server
4. Expired passwords and disabled user accounts, etc.

Q2. How do I fix Microsoft SQL Server Error 18456?

Ans: To fix the error 18456 code in your SQL Server profile, follow these steps:
1. Launch the SQL Server Database Recovery Tool and add the file.
2. Select a mode for recovery and use other features. Click OK.
3. Preview the recovered items in the database and click Save SQL Data.
4. Choose the option to Save in SQL Database and set the connection.
5. Finally, test it and click OK to resolve the error and recover data.

About The Author:

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